IMMIGRATION LAW
Immigration Lawyer
in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat
English-speaking immigration lawyer with an office in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, near Barcelona. Arraigo, residence and work permits, Spanish nationality, family reunification and appeals against refusals and expulsions.
IMMIGRATION LAWYER
Your status in Spain, in order and on time
From Sant Feliu de Llobregat we assist foreign nationals and their families in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat, in person and by video call, in English, French, Spanish or Catalan.
In immigration matters almost everything depends on deadlines and documents: how long you can prove you have been in Spain, criminal records, financial means or the date a permit expires. We review your situation before anything is filed, because a poorly prepared application can be refused and leave the person without legal status.
Since 20 May 2025 a new Immigration Regulation has applied, which reduced to two years the stay required for most forms of arraigo (residence based on ties to Spain) and reorganised them. See the Organic Law 4/2000 on foreign nationals and the Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024 (both in Spanish).
This page provides general information and does not replace a review of each individual case.
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
From your first permit to Spanish nationality
Arraigo and regularisation
Social, socio-labour, socio-educational, family and second-chance arraigo: requirements, documents and filing.
Residence and work
Initial permits, renewals, changes of status and switching from a student stay to residence and work.
Spanish nationality
Nationality by residence, preparation of the file and appeals if it is refused or not decided.
Family reunification
Reunification of a spouse or partner, children and dependent parents, and residence cards for family members of EU citizens.
Appeals and expulsions
Appeals against refusals, defence in expulsion proceedings and requests for interim suspension.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about immigration
Immigration requirements change often and every file has its own dates. These answers are for guidance only and must be checked against the documents in each case.
Arraigo, nationality and appeals
How long do I need to have been in Spain to apply for arraigo?
Under the Regulation in force since May 2025, most forms of arraigo require at least two years' stay in Spain (previously three) and no criminal record. Each form adds its own requirements: an employment contract, a training course, a family tie or having held a previous permit. It is worth checking which form fits before gathering the documents.
How many years of residence do I need for Spanish nationality?
The general rule is ten years of legal and continuous residence. Two years are enough for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, five for recognised refugees, and one year in cases such as being born in Spain or having been married to a Spanish national for a year. You must also pass the Instituto Cervantes tests, unless an exemption applies.
What can I do if my application is refused?
Depending on the case, a refusal can be challenged through an administrative appeal for reconsideration within one month or before the courts within two months. Before appealing it is worth checking whether the reason can be corrected, because sometimes a new, well-documented application is faster. The deadlines run from the day after notification, so the decision should be reviewed as soon as possible.
What should I do if I am served with an expulsion order?
Act immediately. In the fast-track expulsion procedure there are only 48 hours to submit a response, and fifteen days in the ordinary procedure. An expulsion can be appealed and, in many cases, its suspension can be requested while the appeal is decided. Ties to Spain, family here or a work history can be decisive in arguing that expulsion is disproportionate.
Which documents should I bring to the first consultation?
Your passport, NIE or residence card if you have one, your municipal registration (empadronamiento) and any document proving how long you have been in Spain, decisions or notifications received and, depending on the procedure, an employment contract, qualifications or documents proving a family tie. With that we can tell you which route fits and what is missing.
CONTACT
We review your immigration situation
Initial assessment of your case. Tell us which procedure you need, how long you have been in Spain and whether you have any decision or deadline pending. We see you in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, by phone or by video call.
Free consultation and a written quote: see costs and fees
Area Served
Province of Barcelona and Baix Llobregat
Phone
info@lexamm.com
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 14:00
Emergencies: 24 h (fee applies)
Your information is confidential and protected by professional secrecy.